25 Reasons We Love Gloria Steinem on Her 80th Birthday

I attended a fancy dinner party at the Waldorf – Astoria with some friends many years ago honoring, Madeline Albright, Joy Behar and Gloria Steinem. It was a really amazing evening to hear these three fucking cool women speak. During a break, my friend Courtney and I went up to Gloria and gave her an “official” life time membership card to the FCW Society! She really inspires so many of us and we are very grateful! Here’s a great blog post from Ms Magazine!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GLORIA!!

March 25, 2014 by Lindsey O’Brien and Andrea Ananighian

 1. She co-founded Ms. magazine!!!

2. She said, “A liberated woman is one who has sex before marriage and a job after.”
3. She used her skill has a journalist to explain and fight for women’s rights.
4. She went undercover as a Playboy Bunny not to write a sexy story but to expose harsh, exploitative working conditions.
5. She said of her own choice to have an abortion, “No matter how hard I tried to feel guilty … I couldn’t.”
6. She insisted on sharing her speaking engagements with women of color.
7. She has always embraced each younger generation’s feminist movement.

 

8. She has long advocated for affordable and available childcare in the U.S.
9. She said, “The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off.”
10. She can still tap dance, and when she was young she dreamed of becoming a Rockette.
11. She wrote the much-reprinted article, “If Men Could Menstruate.”
12. She said, “Someone asked me why women don’t gamble as much as men do … women’s total instinct for gambling is satisfied by marriage.”
13. She said of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, “Catwoman is a feminist superhero with a story line and transformation of her own—plus class consciousness, a girl buddy, equal skills with the Batman equipment and an apartment of her own in Old Town.”
14. She protested the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
15. “She helped change the way the world the world thinks about women, and changed the way women think of themselves”—Marie Leonard (via Twitter)
16. She cofounded the Women’s Media Center
17. She helped found the National Women’s Political Caucus
18. Every Passover, she takes part in a women’s seder with her friends in New York City.
19. She said, “A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
20. She also said, “Women may be the one group that grows more radical with age.”
21. She wrote about female genital mutilation in 1980, long before it became commonly recognized.
22. She weighed in on Miley Cyrus and gave us all a lesson.
23. She makes her points with “good humor and verve,” which “may not be political qualities, per se, but they sure help change hearts and minds.”—Patricia Stokes, women and gender studies professor, Ohio University (via Twitter)
24. She has said, “I’m keeping my torch, thank you very much—and I’m using it to light the torches of others.”
25. She has yet to retire from the feminist fight. And she never will.

Written by:
Andrea Ananighian is a graduate in English from California State University, Channel Islands. She is currently an intern at Ms.

Lindsey O’Brien is currently studying journalism at Ohio University and interning at Ms.

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Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day is a day proclaimed each year by the United States President to commemorate the granting of the vote to  women throughout the country on an equal basis with men.

Women in the United States were granted the right to vote on August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution was certified. The amendment was first introduced many years earlier in 1878. Every president has published a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day since 1971 when legislation was first introduced in Congress by Bella Abzug.     This resolution was passed designating August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day

The right for women to vote was first proposed in 1848, but did not become law until 1920, 72 years later.  This is one reason its so important to VOTE … for all of the women who fought for the right for women to vote.   AND THEY DID FIGHT!   They were beaten and often jailed… but they didn’t give up!   WE shouldn’t either!

I recently attended the We are Women Rally in Washington DC on August 18.   If you’ve never been to a feminist rally – I highly recommend that you go the next time!!   A lot of my friends mentioned that they don’t like large crowds … and I understand how they feel, especially when the crowds are part of protest.  I’ve been to large events that are showing solidarity against war and yes, these crowds are sometimes a little intimidating.    The difference between rallies that are against something VS rallies that are FOR something is …. the ENERGY!    I was completely inspired by all of the WOMEN, MEN and CHILDREN that attended!

There is a lot of great people out there doing great things … and we need to remember to ENCOURAGE & SUPPORT one another!    Here are a few pics that I took at the rally — be sure to check out the We are Women website for more info — we have to stay connected to encourage everyone to VOTE for the politicians that support WOMEN and EQUAL RIGHTS !

See more pictures here : http://www.flickr.com/photos/trickydame/sets/72157631179179002/

We are WOMEN Rally – August 18, Washington DC!!!

There are some fucking cool women who are organizing an event in Washington, DC on August 18. (as of this blog posting, I’m still trying to get up there- looking for a ride from Savannah, GA!)

Why are women upset? Because we are still being punished for being women! Why are politicians trying to limit access to health care/birth control? Its the 21st Century!!! We are in a period of human evolution where everyone needs to start making choices from their heart not their EGOS! To control women is to limit human evolution and there are a few politicians who are not being very nice. Its very challenging for me who is very conscious of all of my thoughts/actions not to get really PISSY & ANGRY at the politicians who are denying women access to health care and other opportunities that will allow them to THRIVE! Support the women – and you support the Mothers! Support the Mothers and you SUPPORT FUTURE GENERATIONS! A lovely and smart woman named Maya Angelou once said, “We are not here for ourselves, but for future generations!”

And what about our rights as women to have sex with out getting PREGNANT!! Its hilarious to me how many GOP politicians want to deny women access to birth control when they are “against abortions/unwanted pregnancies”. People have sex. People require sex to be healthy people. People are going to have sex especially lower income because its usually something they can afford! Politicians are having sex so why can’t everyone!

I invite all of you to support the WE ARE WOMEN MARCH by attending or donating funds!!

Here’s some info from the http://www.wearewoman.us

We are marching for Rights affecting:

* Our bodies
* Our health
* Our families
* Our livelihood
* Our future

Women’s rights are human rights.

Click Here to read our bios.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to bring national attention to the ongoing war on women’s rights being fought by conservative representatives in federal and state legislatures throughout the country. We believe that women have the right to control their own bodies, make their own decisions about healthcare, receive equal pay for equal work, and be treated with respect by the men and women who represent them in their own state houses and in Washington. Women are not a special interest group seeking special privileges; we comprise 50% of the population, and we are citizens deserving of the same freedoms and protections awarded to our male counterparts. We Are Woman supports the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and the restoration of all the rights that have been limited or destroyed by governors and other legislators across the nation. It is our goal to bring thousands of men and women together at the Capitol on August 18th, 2012, to tell our politicians, “No more!” We are strong, powerful, loving and brave. We are America. We Are Woman.

FCW on the ReW & WhO Show!!

Nancy Faith Anello talking about her comedy astrology & the CWS and *ReBeCCa* the best new musical coming to Broadway on *ReW & WhO?* Jan 18.2012 w/ Jennifer Jo Brout as the ‘WHO?’… fun fun fun…

http://www.rewandwho.com/

Sexually Empowered Life

As most FCW know and agree —
Women need a safe space in which to heal, explore, examine and learn about
their sexuality. In this unique six month program, women will be able to do the
deep work on their sexual selves that can empower and affect every aspect of
their being and of their lives.

Which is why its great to know that Amy Jo Goddard is sharing her gifts with this great workshop …

The Sexually Empowered Life
A 6-month sexuality program for women

This program will take place over six weekends between January and
June 2012, in New York City. (Specific dates available here.) The Sexually
Empowered Life involves a combination of deep work on the sexual self
through discussion, coaching and self-exploration; examination of our
sexual history and patterns; education about sexuality and the sexual
body; and ritual, experiential learning and group support. It is a rare
opportunity to dive deeply into the study and development of our own sexual
selves: as we step out of cultural limitations for relationships, identity, and
gender, we can examine and explore how sexual norms and sexual shame have
affected or inhibited our sexuality, challenge and confront what is no longer
serving us, and move into a place of full-embodiment of sexual power, desire
and healthy vulnerability. Women of all sexual orientations and backgrounds are
welcome.

Sexual empowerment coach, Amy Jo Goddard, M.A., facilitates this program
with a progressively feminist approach that creates an environment where
women can fully step into their sexual power and own the parts of themselves
they have forsaken or disconnected from, while being supported by other
women. Amy Jo has been a sexuality educator for over 15 years and is a
published author. Having worked in various women’s and queer communities as
an activist, performance artist and advocate, she maintains a deep commitment
to empowering women and girls. Read more about Amy Jo’s transformational
work at www.AmyJoGoddard.com.

***************************************************************************
A short write up about the free class:

9 Steps to a Sexually Empowered Life
A free workshop for women
Wednesday, December 7, 7-9 pm, NYC
In this workshop, learn about the 9 steps that will help you come home to your
authentic sexual self and express your sexuality with integrity and joy. Hear
about an amazing opportunity to grow your sexual self in a totally unique and
meaningful way.
To sign up and for more info:
http://sexuallyempoweredlife2.eventbrite.com/

***************************************************************************

About the free teleclass:

9 Steps to a Sexually Empowered Life
A free teleclass
Saturday, Decemeber 3, 11 am-noon
In this workshop, learn about the 9 steps that will help you come home to your
authentic sexual self and express your sexuality with integrity and joy. This
teleclass is also an opportunity for you to learn about Amy Jo’s newly reformatted
program for women, The Sexually Empowered Life, and to ask her any questions
you might have about this 6-month long unique course so you can become the
full sexually empowered woman you are meant to be.

To sign up and for more info:
http://sexualempowerment.eventbrite.com/

Mary Ann Halpin – Inspiring FCW …

Here’s a REPOST from this amazing website called INSPIRE ME TODAY – you can get daily emails if you want!

TODAY’s inspiring person was Mary Ann Halpin and she quotes

As the Dalai Lama proclaimed, “The world will be saved by the western women.”

OH MY — I read this to mean that the Dalai Lama was speaking about Fucking Cool Women! This means YOU! … so whenever you have a moment of doubt about how important it is for you to share your coolness remember there are lots of inspiring fcw (&fcm!) out there to inspire you!

***********************

I embrace my sword of courage, and move beyond my fear… to help myself… to help the whole world. ~ Mary Ann Halpin

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I’d want to pass along to others…

My goal has always been to live in the moment, as that is all we have. It’s a fearless way to live and drink of the delicious nectar of this beautiful planet. This is the most amazing time of our history to be living on this planet, especially as a woman. These are fearful times and we have the opportunity to move through our fear and embrace our sword of courage to achieve our dreams to help ourselves and help the whole world.

As the Dalai Lama proclaimed, “The world will be saved by the western women.” My message to the women of our global community is to help our planet heal. Find your Fearless Women Tribe and listen to your personal call to action. You may not know what that call may be. Don’t wait. Take the first step and you will find your mission if it isn’t clear right now. Don’t worry, you have a tribe to support you, nurture you and mentor you forward. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Say “yes” to adventure! Say “yes” to opportunity. Say “yes” to your own awakening.

The world has ended, as we know it. To survive and thrive in this energy, it is most important to live in a grateful heart. Cut the cranky and negative attitude and leap to the other side of that lumbering blob called fear walking down the street towards you. Don’t let it overcome you, just step aside and let it pass. Take a deep breath and connect back into your heart center. Exhale… yes that’s much better!

My fearless wisdom to humanity is to be a gentle human being. Feel the “beingness” of your humanity. Connect with nature, hug a tree, hang with children, watch snails, take a nap, laugh out loud, walk barefoot in the woods, cry for no reason and let your tears fall on Mother Earth, give a stranger flowers, let someone cut in front of you, hold the door for as many people as possible, say I love you to all your friends and family every time you see them, dance spontaneously with wild abandonment, hold someone’s hand, look in the mirror and say I love you, to you, give away money, write a poem, wear an outrageous hat, be silly, eat sumptuous chocolate, bless the food you eat, allow yourself to be out of balance, surrender to what is, tell someone they are beautiful, tell someone they are inspiring, surround yourself with beauty, be in peace, be the change, be the music… Be.

Sisters on the Fly are FCW!!

It was so awesome to meet so many FCW on Saturday, April 9 at Rivers End Campground in Tybee Island, GA. There were about 100 women traveling together as SISTERS ON THE FLY.

This is a group of women who enjoy vintage trailers, fishing, camping, open roads and THEIR WOMEN FRIENDSHIPS! Very FCW Society of them… so you know what that means, yep … we’ve just added another group of women to the FCW Society! To hear the women talk about the women they love & admire felt like I was at a FCW Society brunch.

Here’s another video I found on YOUTUBE about the Sisters on the Fly —

and a few pics!!

“truisms” by fcw jenny holzer

TRUISMS (1978-1983)
JENNY HOLZER

A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE CAN GO A LONG WAY

A LOT OF PROFESSIONALS ARE CRACKPOTS

A MAN CAN’T KNOW WHAT IT IS TO BE A MOTHER

A NAME MEANS A LOT JUST BY ITSELF

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE MEANS ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

A RELAXED MAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A BETTER MAN

A SENSE OF TIMING IS THE MARK OF GENIUS

A SINCERE EFFORT IS ALL YOU CAN ASK

A SINGLE EVENT CAN HAVE INFINITELY MANY INTERPRETATIONS

A SOLID HOME BASE BUILDS A SENSE OF SELF

A STRONG SENSE OF DUTY IMPRISONS YOU

ABSOLUTE SUBMISSION CAN BE A FORM OF FREEDOM

ABSTRACTION IS A TYPE OF DECADENCE

ABUSE OF POWER COMES AS NO SURPRISE

ACTION CAUSES MORE TROUBLE THAN THOUGHT

ALIENATION PRODUCES ECCENTRICS OR REVOLUTIONARIES

ALL THINGS ARE DELICATELY INTERCONNECTED

AMBITION IS JUST AS DANGEROUS AS COMPLACENCY

AMBIVALENCE CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE

AN ELITE IS INEVITABLE

ANGER OR HATE CAN BE A USEFUL MOTIVATING FORCE

ANIMALISM IS PERFECTLY HEALTHY

ANY SURPLUS IS IMMORAL

ANYTHING IS A LEGITIMATE AREA OF INVESTIGATION

ARTIFICIAL DESIRES ARE DESPOILING THE EARTH

AT TIMES INACTIVITY IS PREFERABLE TO MINDLESS FUNCTIONING

AT TIMES YOUR UNCONSCIOUSNESS IS TRUER THAN YOUR CONSCIOUS MIND

AUTOMATION IS DEADLY

AWFUL PUNISHMENT AWAITS REALLY BAD PEOPLE

BAD INTENTIONS CAN YIELD GOOD RESULTS

BEING ALONE WITH YOURSELF IS INCREASINGLY UNPOPULAR

BEING HAPPY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING ELSE

BEING JUDGMENTAL IS A SIGN OF LIFE

BEING SURE OF YOURSELF MEANS YOU’RE A FOOL

BELIEVING IN REBIRTH IS THE SAME AS ADMITTING DEFEAT

BOREDOM MAKES YOU DO CRAZY THINGS

CALM IS MORE CONDUCTIVE TO CREATIVITY THAN IS ANXIETY

CATEGORIZING FEAR IS CALMING

CHANGE IS VALUABLE WHEN THE OPPRESSED BECOME TYRANTS

CHASING THE NEW IS DANGEROUS TO SOCIETY

CHILDREN ARE THE MOST CRUEL OF ALL

CHILDREN ARE THE HOPE OF THE FUTURE

CLASS ACTION IS A NICE IDEA WITH NO SUBSTANCE

CLASS STRUCTURE IS AS ARTIFICIAL AS PLASTIC

CONFUSING YOURSELF IS A WAY TO STAY HONEST

CRIME AGAINST PROPERTY IS RELATIVELY UNIMPORTANT

DECADENCE CAN BE AN END IN ITSELF

DECENCY IS A RELATIVE THING

DEPENDENCE CAN BE A MEAL TICKET

DESCRIPTION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN METAPHOR

DEVIANTS ARE SACRIFICED TO INCREASE GROUP SOLIDARITY

DISGUST IS THE APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO MOST SITUATIONS

DISORGANIZATION IS A KIND OF ANESTHESIA

DON’T PLACE TO MUCH TRUST IN EXPERTS

DRAMA OFTEN OBSCURES THE REAL ISSUES

DREAMING WHILE AWAKE IS A FRIGHTENING CONTRADICTION

DYING AND COMING BACK GIVES YOU CONSIDERABLE PERSPECTIVE

DYING SHOULD BE AS EASY AS FALLING OFF A LOG

EATING TOO MUCH IS CRIMINAL

ELABORATION IS A FORM OF POLLUTION

EMOTIONAL RESPONSES AR AS VALUABLE AS INTELLECTUAL RESPONSES

ENJOY YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU CAN’T CHANGE ANYTHING ANYWAY

ENSURE THAT YOUR LIFE STAYS IN FLUX

EVEN YOUR FAMILY CAN BETRAY YOU

EVERY ACHIEVEMENT REQUIRES A SACRIFICE

EVERYONE’S WORK IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT

EVERYTHING THAT’S INTERESTING IS NEW

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE DESERVE SPECIAL CONCESSIONS

EXPIRING FOR LOVE IS BEAUTIFUL BUT STUPID

EXPRESSING ANGER IS NECESSARY

EXTREME BEHAVIOR HAS ITS BASIS IN PATHOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

EXTREME SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS LEADS TO PERVERSION

FAITHFULNESS IS A SOCIAL NOT A BIOLOGICAL LAW

FAKE OR REAL INDIFFERENCE IS A POWERFUL PERSONAL WEAPON

FATHERS OFTEN USE TOO MUCH FORCE

FEAR IS THE GREATEST INCAPACITATOR

FREEDOM IS A LUXURY NOT A NECESSITY

GIVING FREE REIN TO YOUR EMOTIONS IS AN HONEST WAY TO LIVE

GO ALL OUT IN ROMANCE AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY

GOING WITH THE FLOW IS SOOTHING BUT RISKY

GOOD DEEDS EVENTUALLY ARE REWARDED

GOVERNMENT IS A BURDEN ON THE PEOPLE

GRASS ROOTS AGITATION IS THE ONLY HOPE

GUILT AND SELF-LACERATION ARE INDULGENCES

HABITUAL CONTEMPT DOESN’T REFLECT A FINER SENSIBILITY

HIDING YOUR EMOTIONS IS DESPICABLE

HOLDING BACK PROTECTS YOUR VITAL ENERGIES

HUMANISM IS OBSOLETE

HUMOR IS A RELEASE

IDEALS ARE REPLACED BY CONVENTIONAL GOALS AT A CERTAIN AGE

IF YOU AREN’T POLITICAL YOUR PERSONAL LIFE SHOULD BE EXEMPLARY

IF YOU CAN’T LEAVE YOUR MARK GIVE UP

IF YOU HAVE MANY DESIRES YOUR LIFE WILL BE INTERESTING

IF YOU LIVE SIMPLY THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT

IGNORING ENEMIES IS THE BEST WAY TO FIGHT

ILLNESS IS A STATE OF MIND

IMPOSING ORDER IS MAN’S VOCATION FOR CHAOS IS HELL

IN SOME INSTANCES IT’S BETTER TO DIE THAN TO CONTINUE

INHERITANCE MUST BE ABOLISHED

IT CAN BE HELPFUL TO KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT

IT IS HEROIC TO TRY TO STOP TIME

IT IS MAN’S FATE TO OUTSMART HIMSELF

IT IS A GIFT TO THE WORLD NOT TO HAVE BABIES

IT’S BETTER TO BE A GOOD PERSON THAN A FAMOUS PERSON

IT’S BETTER TO BE LONELY THAN TO BE WITH INFERIOR PEOPLE

IT’S BETTER TO BE NAIVE THAN JADED

IT’S BETTER TO STUDY THE LIVING FACT THAN TO ANALYZE HISTORY

IT’S CRUCIAL TO HAVE AN ACTIVE FANTASY LIFE

IT’S GOOD TO GIVE EXTRA MONEY TO CHARITY

IT’S IMPORTANT TO STAY CLEAN ON ALL LEVELS

IT’S JUST AN ACCIDENT THAT YOUR PARENTS ARE YOUR PARENTS

IT’S NOT GOOD TO HOLD TOO MANY ABSOLUTES

IT’S NOT GOOD TO OPERATE ON CREDIT

IT’S VITAL TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

JUST BELIEVING SOMETHING CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

KEEP SOMETHING IN RESERVE FOR EMERGENCIES

KILLING IS UNAVOIDABLE BUT NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF

KNOWING YOURSELF LETS YOU UNDERSTAND OTHERS

KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE ADVANCED AT ALL COSTS

LABOR IS A LIFE-DESTROYING ACTIVITY

LACK OF CHARISMA CAN BE FATAL

LEISURE TIME IS A GIGANTIC SMOKE SCREEN

LISTEN WHEN YOUR BODY TALKS

LOOKING BACK IS THE FIRST SIGN OF AGING AND DECAY

LOVING ANIMALS IS A SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITY

LOW EXPECTATIONS ARE GOOD PROTECTION

MANUAL LABOR CAN BE REFRESHING AND WHOLESOME

MEN ARE NOT MONOGAMOUS BY NATURE

MODERATION KILLS THE SPIRIT

MONEY CREATES TASTE

MONOMANIA IS A PREREQUISITE OF SUCCESS

MORALS ARE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE

MOST PEOPLE ARE NOT FIT TO RULE THEMSELVES

MOSTLY YOU SHOULD MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS

MOTHERS SHOULDN’T MAKE TOO MANY SACRIFICES

MUCH WAS DECIDED BEFORE YOU WERE BORN

MURDER HAS ITS SEXUAL SIDE

MYTH CAN MAKE REALITY MORE INTELLIGIBLE

NOISE CAN BE HOSTILE

NOTHING UPSETS THE BALANCE OF GOOD AND EVIL

OCCASIONALLY PRINCIPLES ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN PEOPLE

OFFER VERY LITTLE INFORMATION ABOUT YOURSELF

OFTEN YOU SHOULD ACT LIKE YOU ARE SEXLESS

OLD FRIENDS ARE BETTER LEFT IN THE PAST

OPACITY IS AN IRRESISTIBLE CHALLENGE

PAIN CAN BE A VERY POSITIVE THING

PEOPLE ARE BORING UNLESS THEY ARE EXTREMISTS

PEOPLE ARE NUTS IF THEY THINK THEY ARE IMPORTANT

PEOPLE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT THEY DO UNLESS THEY ARE INSANE

PEOPLE WHO DON’T WORK WITH THEIR HANDS ARE PARASITES

PEOPLE WHO GO CRAZY ARE TOO SENSITIVE

PEOPLE WON’T BEHAVE IF THEY HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE

PHYSICAL CULTURE IS SECOND BEST

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IS ESCAPISM

PLAYING IT SAFE CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE IN THE LONG RUN

POLITICS IS USED FOR PERSONAL GAIN

POTENTIAL COUNTS FOR NOTHING UNTIL IT’S REALIZED

PRIVATE PROPERTY CREATED CRIME

PURSUING PLEASURE FOR THE SAKE OF PLEASURE WILL RUIN YOU

PUSH YOURSELF TO THE LIMIT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

RAISE BOYS AND GIRLS THE SAME WAY

RANDOM MATING IS GOOD FOR DEBUNKING SEX MYTHS

RECHANNELING DESTRUCTIVE IMPULSES IS A SIGN OF MATURITY

RECLUSES ALWAYS GET WEAK

REDISTRIBUTING WEALTH IS IMPERATIVE

RELATIVITY IS NO BOON TO MANKIND

RELIGION CAUSES AS MANY PROBLEMS AS IT SOLVES

REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS HAVE FREEDOM OF CHOICE

REPETITION IS THE BEST WAY TO LEARN

RESOLUTIONS SERVE TO EASE OUR CONSCIENCE

REVOLUTION BEGINS WITH CHANGES IN THE INDIVIDUAL

ROMANTIC LOVE WAS INVENTED TO MANIPULATE WOMEN

ROUTINE IS A LINK WITH THE PAST

ROUTINE SMALL EXCESSES ARE WORSE THAN THEN THE OCCASIONAL DEBAUCH

SACRIFICING YOURSELF FOR A BAD CAUSE IS NOT A MORAL ACT

SALVATION CAN’T BE BOUGHT AND SOLD

SELF-AWARENESS CAN BE CRIPPLING

SELF-CONTEMPT CAN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD

SELFISHNESS IS THE MOST BASIC MOTIVATION

SELFLESSNESS IS THE HIGHEST ACHIEVEMENT

SEPARATISM IS THE WAY TO A NEW BEGINNING

SEX DIFFERENCES ARE HERE TO STAY

SIN IS A MEANS OF SOCIAL CONTROL

SLIPPING INTO MADNESS IS GOOD FOR THE SAKE OF COMPARISON

SLOPPY THINKING GETS WORSE OVER TIME

SOLITUDE IS ENRICHING

SOMETIMES SCIENCE ADVANCES FASTER THAN IT SHOULD

SOMETIMES THINGS SEEM TO HAPPEN OF THEIR OWN ACCORD

SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT IS ANTISOCIAL

STARVATION IS NATURE’S WAY

STASIS IS A DREAM STATE

STERILIZATION IS A WEAPON OF THE RULERS

STRONG EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT STEMS FROM BASIC INSECURITY

STUPID PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BREED

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST APPLIES TO MEN AND ANIMALS

SYMBOLS ARE MORE MEANINGFUL THAN THINGS THEMSELVES

TAKING A STRONG STAND PUBLICIZES THE OPPOSITE POSITION

TALKING IS USED TO HIDE ONE’S INABILITY TO ACT

TEASING PEOPLE SEXUALLY CAN HAVE UGLY CONSEQUENCES

TECHNOLOGY WILL MAKE OR BREAK US

THE CRUELEST DISAPPOINTMENT IS WHEN YOU LET YOURSELF DOWN

THE DESIRE TO REPRODUCE IS A DEATH WISH

THE FAMILY IS LIVING ON BORROWED TIME

THE IDEA OF REVOLUTION IS AN ADOLESCENT FANTASY

THE IDEA OF TRANSCENDENCE IS USED TO OBSCURE OPPRESSION

THE IDIOSYNCRATIC HAS LOST ITS AUTHORITY

THE MOST PROFOUND THINGS ARE INEXPRESSIBLE

THE MUNDANE IS TO BE CHERISHED

THE NEW IS NOTHING BUT A RESTATEMENT OF THE OLD

THE ONLY WAY TO BE PURE IS TO STAY BY YOURSELF

THE SUM OF YOUR ACTIONS DETERMINES WHAT YOU ARE

THE UNATTAINABLE IS INVARIABLE ATTRACTIVE

THE WORLD OPERATES ACCORDING TO DISCOVERABLE LAWS

THERE ARE TOO FEW IMMUTABLE TRUTHS TODAY

THERE’S NOTHING EXCEPT WHAT YOU SENSE

THERE’S NOTHING REDEEMING IN TOIL

THINKING TOO MUCH CAN ONLY CAUSE PROBLEMS

THREATENING SOMEONE SEXUALLY IS A HORRIBLE ACT

TIMIDITY IS LAUGHABLE

TO DISAGREE PRESUPPOSES MORAL INTEGRITY

TO VOLUNTEER IS REACTIONARY

TORTURE IS BARBARIC

TRADING A LIFE FOR A LIFE IS FAIR ENOUGH

TRUE FREEDOM IS FRIGHTFUL

UNIQUE THINGS MUST BE THE MOST VALUABLE

UNQUESTIONING LOVE DEMONSTRATES LARGESSE OF SPIRIT

USING FORCE TO STOP FORCE IS ABSURD

VIOLENCE IS PERMISSIBLE EVEN DESIRABLE OCCASIONALLY

WAR IS A PURIFICATION RITE

WE MUST MAKE SACRIFICES TO MAINTAIN OUR QUALITY OF LIFE

WHEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENS PEOPLE WAKE UP

WISHING THINGS AWAY IS NOT EFFECTIVE

WITH PERSEVERANCE YOU CAN DISCOVER ANY TRUTH

WORDS TEND TO BE INADEQUATE

WORRYING CAN HELP YOU PREPARE

YOU ARE A VICTIM OF THE RULES YOU LIVE BY

YOU ARE GUILELESS IN YOUR DREAMS

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSTITUTING THE MEANING OF THINGS

YOU ARE THE PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

YOU CAN LIVE ON THROUGH YOUR DESCENDANTS

YOU CAN’T EXPECT PEOPLE TO BE SOMETHING THEY’RE NOT

YOU CAN’T FOOL OTHERS IF YOU’RE FOOLING YOURSELF

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WHAT UNTIL YOU SUPPORT YOURSELF

YOU HAVE TO HURT OTHERS TO BE EXTRAORDINARY

YOU MUST BE INTIMATE WITH A TOKEN FEW

YOU MUST DISAGREE WITH AUTHORITY FIGURES

YOU MUST HAVE ONE GRAND PASSION

YOU MUST KNOW WHERE YOU STOP AND THE WORLD BEGINS

YOU CAN UNDERSTAND SOMEONE OF YOUR SEX ONLY

YOU OWE THE WORLD NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND

YOU SHOULD STUDY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

YOUR ACTIONS AE POINTLESS IF NO ONE NOTICES

YOUR OLDEST FEARS ARE THE WORST ONES

jenny holzer is so fucking cool!

FCW grapple with being pro-choice

What makes a woman an FCW? Most often the part the makes me feel woman “aren’t” fucking cool is if they are anti-choice. How can anyone not be PRO-Choice!!?? This is the one thing we all – men & women have are choices – and to deny anyone choice about their personal body is (to me) the biggest crime. We might have responsibilities/ideas that we don’t like/agree however, how we allow these circumstances to “affect” out lives is our CHOICE – this is the first choice we have. I understand that there are a lot of viewpoints about when LIFE begins and how could anyone be for “abortion”. I don’t feel like I could use abortion as birth control, however, I also know that I am not interested in having a baby so I do my best to have safe sex. It’s my choice to not to choose not to be a mother. It’s important to remember that being “pro-choice” isn’t always about abortion, its about choices – we all have the right to make decisions.

This is can be such tricky subject in certain circles and I applaud anyone who shows the courage to share personal stories about their own beliefs about abortion. When I read Victoria Moran‘s blog post in the Huffington Post, I was very inspired and interested in knowing more. I’m sending her lots of good energy to get the necessary steps completed so she can have her one woman show!

Here it is … visit Huffington Post read the rest!!
Abortion and Reverence for Life: Grappling with My Father’s ‘Other Job’

In 2009, the abortion rate in New York City was 41 percent of all pregnancies — twice the national average. That’s a lot of abortions. So many, in fact, that New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan has joined with other religious leaders in an effort to decrease the number. The fact that so prominent a member of the always-abolishionist Catholic Church would be involved in a push to simply lessen the incidence of abortion was heartening to me. It shows a degree of pragmatism coming from the religious institution I left as a teenager.

On the issue of abortion, I’m ever on the fence, or, at most, an inch or two to either side. My most firmly held value is what Albert Schweitzer termed “reverence for life.” I take this seriously; many would say that because I extend it to nonhumans, I take it too far. I don’t eat animals. I rescue strays and take injured pigeons to the wildlife rehab. I carry spiders and wasps outside in a cup covered with a 3×5 card. It would only follow that I’d take pause when contemplating the abrupt and apparently brutal ending of a tiny human being’s life, or even a potential human being’s life.

However, I am also a woman. I know that pregnancy protection can fail. It happened to me once. I was widowed, a single mom making ends meet — just meet — as a freelance magazine writer. I had a boyfriend and a libido, and the diaphragm (I was trying to be “natural”) didn’t do its job. I had an early miscarriage. If that hadn’t happened, I can’t say what I’d have done. I do know that women in that situation have, for millennia, found ways to abort pregnancies. Behind the centuries of witch burnings was fear of the village wise woman. Her herbs could cure diseases, and she could both bring new life into the world and, when the mother willed it, prevent that life from coming. That’s a lot of power in the hands of the “weaker sex.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/victoria-moran/abortion-reverence-life_b_808161.html

“Fe-Mail”

I love getting random emails from women who discover they are also FCW Society members — because when I check out their websites– OH MY!! They are so fucking cool!! This is what I discovered when browsing — incredible art & cleverness!

Check out Suzi Banks Baum, Artist Mom, living in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. She has 2 teenagers, a big garden, a small art business with my collaborator Karen Arp-Sandel, and one big honking life that she loves to share about on the Laundry Life.

Her art biz is “Fe-Mail” — which is absolutely beautiful and inspiring! The images are the collage post cards.

“Fe-Mail” is the collaboration between Karen Arp Sandel and Suzi Banks Baum, 2 women artists living in the mountains along the state line between New York and Massachusetts. We began sending collage post cards to each other in February 2007, exploring many themes of common interest- the feminine figure, mandalas, the Divine Feminine, our yoga practices, poetry and inspirations borne in our women’s Moon Circle.

As artists, our mantra is “Art is not separate”.-

http://www.femailart.com